Rabbi Erin Boxt
CCAR Israel Trip Days 1 & 2
"It's not Galut if you commute..."
Traveling to Israel is like returning home. For Diaspora (Galut) Jews, once you have visited Israel, it is as if you are returning home every time you journey back. After all - Israel is not just the Jewish homeland, it is the heart and soul of the Jewish people. I journeyed to Israel the first time in December 1999. I truly had no idea how much Israel would be a part of my life. I was 23 years old and really knew very little about Israel - other than what I had read and studied while in Hebrew school. I had met Israelis while working at summer camps...so, I knew of the experiences that were shared with me. However, that trip to Israel in 1999 changed my life forever. Since then, I have returned to Israel around 13 times...so, in 26 years, I have returned home at least once every two years (or so). In reality, I did not return to Israel the first time (after 1999) until 2007. So, in 19 years, I have traveled back home 11 times!
When terror hit Israel on October 7, 2023, I yearned to return home to be with my Israeli friends and family. I wanted to do everything I could to support them - not to be sympathetic, but to be empathetic. I believed my Israeli friends and family needed me to just listen and be present for them...not only to bear witness, but also to help rebuild in whatever way was needed. It was in this vein I decided to join my CCAR colleagues in returning home this week. I was excited to return...I also knew there would be some challenges as I listened and learned from Israelis (and Arabs) on the ground in Israel.
It is important for me to share with my community and anyone else of these experiences. With each blog entry, I will add a slideshow to help illustrate the wonders, challenges and experiences.
Upon arrival in Israel, I could sense there was a difference in the air. While the pictures show that Israelis were busy living out their daily lives, one thing was certainly clear to me: a deep, underlying pain still exists. While the various communities in Israel heal, the emotional memories and baggage from almost 300 days of war still remain. It is my hope this blog and the others I write this week will help to share some of the memories and pain (as well as the beauty and excitement that is always present in Israel).
Our program officially began with dinner at an historical restaurant in Jaffa called Kandinof, a historic late-19th-century building near the Old City walls, originally constructed as a luxurious complex by the wealthy Bukharan Jewish Kandinof family. Restored in 2012–2017, the site now functions as a vibrant cultural center, restaurant, and art gallery, blending Ottoman-era architecture with modern Mediterranean cuisine. We were joined by many of our Israeli Reform Rabbinic colleagues (MARAM - the Council of Reform Rabbis in Israel). This important mifgash (encounter) allowed us to get to know our Israeli colleagues, forging connections that will remain vital to the future of Progressive Judaism worldwide (especially the Reform Movement).
After a pretty good night of rest, we began Day 2 with a deep dive into the current state of Reform Judaism. This was a day of "Agents of Change." We met with Anna Kislanski, the CEO of the Israel Reform Movement (IMPJ). Some of the important information she shared with us included:
There are 54 Reform congregations in Israel (doubled in the last decade)
There are 12 Reform congregations in the periphery of Israel (Sha-ar HaNegev (near the Gaza Strip), the Galilee, etc.)
The IMPJ joined with the Arab community of Sakhnin to protest against crime and violence against their community
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-884269
Religious pluralism was the main focus of the IMPJ prior to October 7, 2023; Since then, the main focus has been on racism/shared society
6% of Israelis identify as Reform
Since October 7, 2023, 51% of Israeli Jews seek more spirituality
"Where there is struggle, there is hope."
After our session with Anna Kislanski, we traveled to "The Purple House." While there, we met with a representative from 3 different organizations with the goal of working together to build a more democratic and pluralistic society. Amal, a Palestinian Israeli, represented an organization called Omdim B'yachad (Standing Together). Matan, a secular Israeli, represented an organization called "This is Not an Ulpan." Gadi, a religious Zionist who lives in Rechovot, represented Tag Me'ir. Each of these grass roots leaders, who are working together to help achieve the important goals of Democracy and Pluralism, have their own stories which led them to the work they do every day. Even with their different backstories and although they do not always agree, their goals are the same. This allows them to come work every day - to help Israel be better and support each and every one of her vital communities.
After lunch on our own (I had a yummy burger!), we took part in "Shifting the Way History is Told." We were guided down Rothschild Boulevard, tracing the beginnings of Tel Aviv and the disputes that have occurred along the way, religious, Zionist and secular. We discussed 3 major Jewish leaders and their individual perspectives on what Israel is and what Israel could be (Ahad Aham, Theodor Herzl and Ze'ev Jabotinsky). One of the pictures you will see from this walk is of some important post October 7, 2023 graffiti - V'ahavta (and you shall love) and the words "Leave me space to remember you in my memory," with "It's not your fault" in the middle.
We concluded our day with a session entitled "If I could speak at Your synagogue." Our MARAM colleagues were invited to share with us messages they would want our congregations to hear:
- We are resilient and are not going anywhere- We are bigger than any government
- The State of Israel as a source of sustaining the Jewish world works
- The Diaspora must engage with Israel to help it stay alive
- Israel must be out looking to the Diaspora as well
- I don’t have any clarity of what comes next - not sure what the world will look like for my children…..however, there is a resilience and life goes on
- Israel is home for me and for you….but it seems like a means to an end for Zionism.
- We must build our identities and work together to strengthen each other and our commitment to Zionism.
- Our identities are intertwined and we need each other
- I am still a proud Israeli
- I am not even sure or that clear of the ideology of where we want to go
- There is danger in assuming we know the right answers to our future
- We should be aware of all of the ideas out there, even the most controversial
- I want to bring back the word or idea of devotion
- Zion is the home of our lives; how are we all as a Jewish people continuing the journey to home (Diaspora and Israeli Jews)
- Israel is in deep crisis - Messianism in Israel is threatening everything we hold dear in Israel; or could be the end of Reform Movement
- Reform Jews in the US are in deep crisis. Maybe we will help save each other; or maybe we don’t have the bandwidth to do so.
- Biblical heritage creates deep roots for Israel
- We need to make sure that Israel is the answer to our moral existence no less than our physical existence.
- Join as an overseas member a Reform congregation in Israel
- We are very optimistic
- After 834 days of war, we are still living our normal, every day lives
- You cannot force Israelis to lose their hope
- Remember that even in the darkest, most war filled times in Israel, there are leaders of all kinds working tirelessly to live in a safe and place of peace… the Galilee can be an example/model of how diverse faith’s can live together
- The community is something you build and it will be how you decide it looks like. Israel is the same as your community.
- We have great people in Israel.
- Israelis want to see you to recognize you and thank you for your support since 10/7….but also to get to know you
As you can read - these were very raw and very real comments. While there are differing views, the underlying idea that I gleaned from my Israeli colleagues is that Israel is optimistic, hopeful, resilient and unbreakable. While we may not know exactly what our future looks like, as long as we work together - Reform Jews in Israel and in the Diaspora - our future is certain.
With the Israeli army finally returning Ron Gvili's remains to Israel, our hearts are relieved and torn. We celebrate the life and sacrifices that Ron (and all of the hostages and soldiers) made...and we also mourn his loss. However, now his family and the entire Jewish world can sleep a little better tonight knowing all of the hostages are home.
Our siyyum (conclusion) was standing together, arm in arm, singing Oseh Shalom Bimromav, Hu Ya'aseh Shalom Aleinu, v'al kol Yisrael (v'al kol yoshvei tevel), v'imru amen. "May the One who makes peace in the high places, make peace for us and for all Israel, and for all of those who dwell on Earth, and we say Amen."
Traveling to Israel is like returning home. For Diaspora (Galut) Jews, once you have visited Israel, it is as if you are returning home every time you journey back. After all - Israel is not just the Jewish homeland, it is the heart and soul of the Jewish people. I journeyed to Israel the first time in December 1999. I truly had no idea how much Israel would be a part of my life. I was 23 years old and really knew very little about Israel - other than what I had read and studied while in Hebrew school. I had met Israelis while working at summer camps...so, I knew of the experiences that were shared with me. However, that trip to Israel in 1999 changed my life forever. Since then, I have returned to Israel around 13 times...so, in 26 years, I have returned home at least once every two years (or so). In reality, I did not return to Israel the first time (after 1999) until 2007. So, in 19 years, I have traveled back home 11 times!
When terror hit Israel on October 7, 2023, I yearned to return home to be with my Israeli friends and family. I wanted to do everything I could to support them - not to be sympathetic, but to be empathetic. I believed my Israeli friends and family needed me to just listen and be present for them...not only to bear witness, but also to help rebuild in whatever way was needed. It was in this vein I decided to join my CCAR colleagues in returning home this week. I was excited to return...I also knew there would be some challenges as I listened and learned from Israelis (and Arabs) on the ground in Israel.
It is important for me to share with my community and anyone else of these experiences. With each blog entry, I will add a slideshow to help illustrate the wonders, challenges and experiences.
Upon arrival in Israel, I could sense there was a difference in the air. While the pictures show that Israelis were busy living out their daily lives, one thing was certainly clear to me: a deep, underlying pain still exists. While the various communities in Israel heal, the emotional memories and baggage from almost 300 days of war still remain. It is my hope this blog and the others I write this week will help to share some of the memories and pain (as well as the beauty and excitement that is always present in Israel).
Our program officially began with dinner at an historical restaurant in Jaffa called Kandinof, a historic late-19th-century building near the Old City walls, originally constructed as a luxurious complex by the wealthy Bukharan Jewish Kandinof family. Restored in 2012–2017, the site now functions as a vibrant cultural center, restaurant, and art gallery, blending Ottoman-era architecture with modern Mediterranean cuisine. We were joined by many of our Israeli Reform Rabbinic colleagues (MARAM - the Council of Reform Rabbis in Israel). This important mifgash (encounter) allowed us to get to know our Israeli colleagues, forging connections that will remain vital to the future of Progressive Judaism worldwide (especially the Reform Movement).
After a pretty good night of rest, we began Day 2 with a deep dive into the current state of Reform Judaism. This was a day of "Agents of Change." We met with Anna Kislanski, the CEO of the Israel Reform Movement (IMPJ). Some of the important information she shared with us included:
There are 54 Reform congregations in Israel (doubled in the last decade)
There are 12 Reform congregations in the periphery of Israel (Sha-ar HaNegev (near the Gaza Strip), the Galilee, etc.)
The IMPJ joined with the Arab community of Sakhnin to protest against crime and violence against their community
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-884269
Religious pluralism was the main focus of the IMPJ prior to October 7, 2023; Since then, the main focus has been on racism/shared society
6% of Israelis identify as Reform
Since October 7, 2023, 51% of Israeli Jews seek more spirituality
"Where there is struggle, there is hope."
After our session with Anna Kislanski, we traveled to "The Purple House." While there, we met with a representative from 3 different organizations with the goal of working together to build a more democratic and pluralistic society. Amal, a Palestinian Israeli, represented an organization called Omdim B'yachad (Standing Together). Matan, a secular Israeli, represented an organization called "This is Not an Ulpan." Gadi, a religious Zionist who lives in Rechovot, represented Tag Me'ir. Each of these grass roots leaders, who are working together to help achieve the important goals of Democracy and Pluralism, have their own stories which led them to the work they do every day. Even with their different backstories and although they do not always agree, their goals are the same. This allows them to come work every day - to help Israel be better and support each and every one of her vital communities.
After lunch on our own (I had a yummy burger!), we took part in "Shifting the Way History is Told." We were guided down Rothschild Boulevard, tracing the beginnings of Tel Aviv and the disputes that have occurred along the way, religious, Zionist and secular. We discussed 3 major Jewish leaders and their individual perspectives on what Israel is and what Israel could be (Ahad Aham, Theodor Herzl and Ze'ev Jabotinsky). One of the pictures you will see from this walk is of some important post October 7, 2023 graffiti - V'ahavta (and you shall love) and the words "Leave me space to remember you in my memory," with "It's not your fault" in the middle.
We concluded our day with a session entitled "If I could speak at Your synagogue." Our MARAM colleagues were invited to share with us messages they would want our congregations to hear:
- We are resilient and are not going anywhere- We are bigger than any government
- The State of Israel as a source of sustaining the Jewish world works
- The Diaspora must engage with Israel to help it stay alive
- Israel must be out looking to the Diaspora as well
- I don’t have any clarity of what comes next - not sure what the world will look like for my children…..however, there is a resilience and life goes on
- Israel is home for me and for you….but it seems like a means to an end for Zionism.
- We must build our identities and work together to strengthen each other and our commitment to Zionism.
- Our identities are intertwined and we need each other
- I am still a proud Israeli
- I am not even sure or that clear of the ideology of where we want to go
- There is danger in assuming we know the right answers to our future
- We should be aware of all of the ideas out there, even the most controversial
- I want to bring back the word or idea of devotion
- Zion is the home of our lives; how are we all as a Jewish people continuing the journey to home (Diaspora and Israeli Jews)
- Israel is in deep crisis - Messianism in Israel is threatening everything we hold dear in Israel; or could be the end of Reform Movement
- Reform Jews in the US are in deep crisis. Maybe we will help save each other; or maybe we don’t have the bandwidth to do so.
- Biblical heritage creates deep roots for Israel
- We need to make sure that Israel is the answer to our moral existence no less than our physical existence.
- Join as an overseas member a Reform congregation in Israel
- We are very optimistic
- After 834 days of war, we are still living our normal, every day lives
- You cannot force Israelis to lose their hope
- Remember that even in the darkest, most war filled times in Israel, there are leaders of all kinds working tirelessly to live in a safe and place of peace… the Galilee can be an example/model of how diverse faith’s can live together
- The community is something you build and it will be how you decide it looks like. Israel is the same as your community.
- We have great people in Israel.
- Israelis want to see you to recognize you and thank you for your support since 10/7….but also to get to know you
As you can read - these were very raw and very real comments. While there are differing views, the underlying idea that I gleaned from my Israeli colleagues is that Israel is optimistic, hopeful, resilient and unbreakable. While we may not know exactly what our future looks like, as long as we work together - Reform Jews in Israel and in the Diaspora - our future is certain.
With the Israeli army finally returning Ron Gvili's remains to Israel, our hearts are relieved and torn. We celebrate the life and sacrifices that Ron (and all of the hostages and soldiers) made...and we also mourn his loss. However, now his family and the entire Jewish world can sleep a little better tonight knowing all of the hostages are home.
Our siyyum (conclusion) was standing together, arm in arm, singing Oseh Shalom Bimromav, Hu Ya'aseh Shalom Aleinu, v'al kol Yisrael (v'al kol yoshvei tevel), v'imru amen. "May the One who makes peace in the high places, make peace for us and for all Israel, and for all of those who dwell on Earth, and we say Amen."